New Stadium News

30 January 2009 09:37

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Welcome to our latest dedicated newsletter, designed to provide our supporters with all the latest information and developments at the new stadium.

The Region has had a superb start to this all-important year. A stirring Heineken Cup campaign with a record six victories from six pool matches culminating with a record victory over Calvisano has seen your team achieve number one seeding following the pool stages of this elite competition - a first for a Welsh Region.

Our reward is a home quarter final place against the mighty Stade Toulousain. We will again need to be at our very best when we face Toulouse at the Millennium Stadium at 3.30pm on Saturday 11th April, in front of what we hope will be a partisan as well as a record breaking crowd.

EDF Cup ambitions are also very much alive as we look forward to our semi final clash against Northampton at 5.15pm at The Ricoh Stadium, Coventry on Saturday 28th March.

In such exciting times, we continue our quest to become one of the elite sides in the European game, with our move to the new stadium and its world class facilities an integral part of that on-going ambition.

Once again thank you for your continued support as we look forward to another new chapter in the evolving life of the Cardiff Blues.

Robert Norster
Chief Executive

Latest Development News The beginning of 2009 has seen a major visual development at the new stadium - the pitch has started to show signs of progress, as the drainage, irrigation and under-soil heating are all worked on, as well as the installation of concrete bases for the rugby and football posts. The majority of seats are now in position, and work has also begun on the player's changing rooms. There have also been developments outside the stadium itself, where the external paved areas have been completed for the walkways.

Season Ticket HoldersPersonal invitations will be issued to Cardiff Blues current season tickets holders in early February to attend a series of presentations at the Arms Park. A chance to explore the opportunities available at the new stadium and reserve your seat for season 2009-10 - we invite you to bring your family and friends along to book your seats together.

The good news is the majority of season ticket price categories at the new stadium remain unchanged, and existing season ticket holders will be given priority on seats, based on current category and position.

For those season ticket holders who prefer the flexibility and freedom offered via a terrace season ticket, we are pleased to announce the introduction of an unreserved seating area. This area will offer the social interaction currently enjoyed, with the added advantage and comfort of a seat. Prices in this area will be competitively priced at £200 for a full paying adult season ticket - lower than the current seating price at The Arms Park.

Blues card holders
Blues card holders who wish to upgrade to a season ticket will also receive a personal invitation to learn more about the season ticket options and reserve a seat within the exclusive priority period.

Family Stand and Facilities
Our commitment to families and young supporters is demonstrated by the inclusion of a dedicated family area in the West stand of the ground. The area will be double the size of that currently at the Arms Park with the ability to extend should, as we hope, the demand require it. Prices in the Family stand will remain unchanged, with under 16's enjoying the full benefits of a season ticket for only £35.00.

Furthermore, free season tickets will be issued to all under 9's accompanied by an adult season ticket holder in the family area. This initiative underpins our commitment to the community, offering young families fantastic value for money, and prime seats for all category matches in a safe and friendly, family orientated environment.

The family stand will be adjacent to a dedicated children's area at the new stadium, which will include a variety of extra facilities for our young supporters.

Season TicketsIf you are not an existing season ticket holder, or Bluescard holder and would like to receive further information please register your interest with our customer services manager, Abigail Gibbins via email: abigail.gibbins@cardiffblues.com.

Should you have a friend or family member who is a current season ticket holder why not contact them and take advantage of the exclusive priority period available to them and purchase your seats together.

Bar and Food Outlets We are confident that the match day experience at the new stadium will live up to our every expectation. Designers continue to work on creative ideas to ensure the bar and food courtyards focus on providing a far more social feel to attending matches, rather than purely eating or drinking outlets. The extensive concourse areas are being designed to create focal points for supporters to meet friends and socialise in the great traditions associated with the game of rugby, as well as providing easy access and speedy service.

Premier Club There are 2,250 seats within the Premier Club, offering prime seating, private bars and restaurants. These are predominantly aimed at the business community; however there are a number of price categories, starting at only £49 per month (plus VAT) which make it accessible and affordable. For more information, contact the sales and marketing team on 02920 302060.

ClubhouseDiscussions have taken place with the Management of the Cardiff Athletic Club to ensure that the Clubhouse is given every opportunity to operate during this period of change. The traditions and heritage of the Clubhouse should be retained and every effort made to ensure that the operation remains viable and accessible to the membership.

Members will be encouraged to use the facilities on popular days including weekends and international days.

Retail and MerchandiseA jointly branded retail shop will be centrally located with easy access from the main entrance points. The superstore will be open 6 days a week with extended hours to accommodate match days and seasonal demands.

Transport to and from the new stadium
Discussions have progressed with Cardiff Bus, and plans are well underway to provide a direct shuttle link between Cardiff Central Station and the new stadium on match days - pre and post match. The service will be provided free of charge to season ticket holders. A small fee may apply to other supporters. This shuttle will run regularly both prior and post Blues' matches and will provide easy access to the City Centre.
Discussions are progressing well regarding a 'Blues Express' bus service - a dedicated route running from the valleys directly to and from the stadium on match days.

The new stadium is a short distance from the current location and easily accessible via road, bus or train links from the city centre and the wider region:

By Car: The new stadium is extremely accessible by car from all areas of the region. In contrast to the current facilities at the Arms Park, there will be up to 500 car parking spaces available to supporters for match day parking.

By train: There are two train stations located in the vicinity of the new stadium, Ninian Park and Grangetown. Both are served by excellent, regular rail links from the city centre, North Cardiff and the Valleys.

By Bus: There is already a regular service every 12 minutes from Cardiff Central Bus Station to the Leckwith Stadium.

By taxi: A taxi from Cardiff Central Station to Leckwith stadium costs circa £4.

Any futher questions or stadium related queries should be addressed to to Abigail Gibbins customer service manager, email abigail.gibbins@cardiffblues.com or in writing to Abigail at Cardiff Blues, Cardiff Arms Park, Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1JA.